Southwest Airlines is exploring the possibility of adding the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its fleet to support long-haul international flights, according to a recent report by Reuters. Currently, Southwest's fleet consists solely of Boeing 737s, which are smaller, single-aisle aircraft. While the company is considering the 787 as its first wide-body aircraft, no final decision has been made, and the board of directors will ultimately determine the outcome. A committee formed in 2025 is overseeing the company's aircraft acquisition strategy. According to the report, which cites three individuals familiar with Southwest's planning, the airline is leaning toward acquiring several dozen 787s, though the specific version of the aircraft has not been identified. The timeline for any launch is estimated to be around three years from now, though this is described as a working schedule rather than an official service date. Boeing has reportedly already sold all delivery slots for the 787 until the end of the decade, which may prompt Southwest to consider leasing or purchasing used aircraft to speed up its entry into the long-haul market. Southwest is not limiting its options to the 787 alone. Airbus is also actively engaging with the airline, offering the A321XLR and A330neo as alternatives for long-haul routes. A smaller aircraft, the A220, is being considered for other parts of Southwest's network. While the 787 appears to be the more likely choice at this stage, the discussions remain open. The pilots' union has also confirmed that multiple options are under review, with no final decision on a wide-body aircraft yet. Southwest's goals for long-haul flights are not necessarily to match the global reach of larger competitors like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, or American Airlines. Instead, the airline's CEO, Bob Jordan, has suggested that eight to twelve long-haul destinations could meet the needs of many customers. The expansion also aims to reduce reliance on other carriers and bolster the Rapid Rewards loyalty program and its associated credit cards. In other developments, Southwest has moved away from its open seating policy, implementing assigned seating with options for Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats starting in January 2026. The airline has also announced plans for airport lounges and a high-end credit card, as part of a broader strategy to attract travelers willing to spend more. For now, the plan to introduce a long-haul-capable aircraft remains under study.